Remnant by Brenda J. Pierson

Author:Brenda J. Pierson [Pierson, Brenda J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Incandescent Phoenix Books
Published: 2016-12-10T07:00:00+00:00

16

Windrunner couldn’t decide which was more stifling—the cramped room he shared with Brinelle, or the heavy sishamen he was forced to wear whenever he went above deck. Either way, he felt like he couldn’t get a clear breath. It was all oppressive, draining, frustrating. The constant effort it took to force his magic away left him with a headache. And angry. Always so angry, despite the mastery over his magic he was practicing. He’d hoped that would help calm some of his temper, not inflame it.

The closest he was able to get to escape was in the depth of darkness, under the stars and inattentive eyes of the night watch. During those few hours when he couldn’t see his hand in front of his face. Then he could risk lowering the hood of his sishamen and feel the cool sea breeze, breathe without the musty cloak or stale cabin to hinder him. For those few hours, he could pretend everything was going to be all right.

He didn’t dare admit it to Brinelle, but she’d been right. He couldn’t hold off his magic forever. Just trying to do so was making everything worse. He’d lost track of how many days he’d been at it—three? four?—but he felt even worse now than he had when he’d started. His magic’s anger raged beneath his skin at all times. He no longer trusted himself to speak. Too often he’d said things he regretted because he hadn’t stopped to control himself before opening his mouth.

He’d always had a temper—inherited from his father—but it had never been anything like this. This didn’t even feel like him anymore. He feared it was the magic taking control now.

Windrunner leaned against the railing and stared at the black water below. His head pounded viciously, as it had for the past few days. The fresh air was a help, though he doubted it would do much beyond clearing the stink from his nose.

Enveloped in darkness, Windrunner breathed. Clear the mind. Relax. If there was ever a time he hoped Brinelle’s meditation techniques would help, it was now.

He sensed more than felt the presence next to him. He didn’t look over. It was probably Brinelle, come to check up on him. She’d been watching him closely, switching between worry and looming threat depending on her mood.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, before she could ask. “I just needed some fresh air. Quiet.” He didn’t add that he’d wanted to be left alone.

She didn’t say anything. At first the silence was welcome, but as it drew to uncomfortable lengths, Windrunner felt his frustration growing into anger. What was the point of her coming up here and then ignoring him? Was she condemning him for being a Varyah again? She should have left him be.

He turned toward her, scathing remarks burning his tongue. The black-clad figure took a moment to acknowledge him. When it did face him, Windrunner’s blood ran cold.

It wasn’t Brinelle next to him. A specter from a nightmare stared at him, empty expression and glowing red eyes.

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